Will this Tactical Adjustment Solve Newcastle’s Problems?
While fans have been clamoring for a 4-3-3 formation, Pardew for some reason has been sticking to the standard 4-4-2 structure. His argument being he wants to play both strikers i.e. Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse centrally. Given the fact how few goalscorers we have, it does make sense. And yet, fans too have a point: why fix something that is not broken?
So, a formation that I think can marry both of these options and can do justice to the team is what is called a diamond (4-1-2-1-2) formation. This formation will allow Pardew to field two strikers, which he prefers while also allowing the team to be fluid in the midfield.
Assuming all the players from the squad are fit and available to Alan Pardew, the personnel that I will go for are:
__________________________Krul_________________________
Anita__________Coloccini ___________Taylor (S) __________Santon
__________________________Tiote_________________________
____________________Cabaye_____ Marveaux_________________
_________________________Ben Arfa________________________
________________________Ba_____Cisse_____________________
This formation and personnel will have enough creativity to feed the strikers to score plenty of goals and enough defensive steal to repel whatever the opposition has to throw at the team. The set up will allow Hatem ben Arfa, undoubtedly one of the best players at Newcastle, to wield his magic without having to worry too much about defending. Yohan Cabaye enjoyed best period as an advanced midfielder, this formation will allow him to dictate play and if need be drop a little deeper helping out team.
The reason why I choose Vurnon Anita over any specialist or recognized right back is because the width is important and he has shown himself to be a decent enough right back who can put good crosses in. The rest of the back four picks itself.
As said previously, this will allow Pardew to play both of the srtikes centrally, while also balancing that out with a widespread midfield formation.
Any formation is as good as the players make it out to be and good players can play in any formation. However formation is important and plays a big role tactically. Given Newcastle’s resources, I believe that a diamond (4-1-2-1-2) formation can really bring out the best from some great technical players at Newcastle.
After all a diamond is indestructible 😉
What do you think?
The Spectator's View 
Try not hoofing the ball at every occassion!
sort out the set pieces. We ahve not scored from a corner in 1 year now. If you cant create quality chances then you have to take your set pieces.
remember pardew saying he wanted to buy a goal scoring Center half
would be nice if we had a full team but think by time we get some of those back then demba ba will be gone unfortunatley.think we are in big trouble at the moment,when we get some players back and maybe sign a couple we will be fine BUT just now we are god awful and by january we could be so far down the table that any player worth their salt wouldnt touch us with martin o’neils!!!
hope we improve soon and a lot
Now given is cabaye is out long term, that first choice is not going to be seen soon 😦
been saying this for months mate your a bit slow…..
I dont think this dimond would work as it leaves a to big of a gap in the center of MF unless we stop hitting those long balls. 1 Striker has to be droped for the sake of the Team and that means only 1 thing currently 4 2 3 1 This packs the midfield and alows you take controll of the game and pass the ball instead of long ball tactics.
Krull
Anita Williamson Colo Santon
Perch Tiote
Marvaux HBA Gutierez
BA/Cisse